CC Skye Turner Python-Embossed Leather Hobo

Although the CC Skye Turner Python-Embossed Leather Hobo is nearly at the top of our price cap here on SCOAB, it's still a budget-friendly bag. It certainly doesn't look like it costs $625. The luxe python-embossed exterior (done in a gorgeous and subdued neutral hue) gives the appearance of costing thousands, not hundreds of dollars. The softly pleated design and gold-tone top handle accented shoulder strap only add to the understated elegance of bag. The interior is spacious and practical measuring 17.5 x 13.5 x 6 and offers several interior pockets for better organization. If you've been searching for an expensive-looking bag on a working gals budget, this is definitely the bag for you.

CC Skye Turner Python-Embossed Leather Hobo available via bloomingdales.com

Color Me Spring

I am a college student on a budget, a fashionista who dreams of owning a designer handbag. So when I got a check from an insurance settlement, I set out on a mission. I wanted to find a great designer handbag on a $200 budget. I shopped for days. I examined Gianni Binni bags, Dooney & Bourke, Jessica Simpson, Coach and more. I finally purchased this bag, and have no regrets!

[image via Style My Happiness]

It's a Coach tote from the new Poppy Series. It's big, comfortable and colorful. Perfect for spring! I love large purses, and since I carry practically my whole entire life in my purses,  this bag fits the bill perfectly! I have received so many compliments on my bag since I bought it! I am quite proud of myself for stepping outside the box and buying a colorful bag. I tend to stick to black or neutral colored handbags since I find they go with more of my outfits. I was surprised that this bag also  goes with all of my outfits! I bought this purse at my local Dillard's for only $140 [On sale from $190].

So, click HERE to visit the Coach website and see if there is something for you!

xoxo,
LenkaLovee

See by Chloé Cherry Mini Crossbody Bag

Hannah MacGibbon, Chloé's creative director, is one of my favorite designers. Her creations and those of the talented design staff that currently reside at Chloé have been churning out some rather impressive designs for the moderately-priced See by Chloé line. The S/S 2010 collection is a vast improvement over their first offerings, and the chic Cherry Mini Crossbody Bag is a great example of just how stylish the new crop of SbC bags truly are.

The crossbody/messenger bag is the bag style to have for spring. If you're not into large bags and want something roomy enough to put a few personal essentials inside, this bag might be just what you're looking for. The shimmery black metallic leather exterior is subtle enough to work both day and night, and the decorative tassel on the front of the pouch-like bag adds a touch of whimsy to a utilitarian style like the crossbody. The 6.5 x 6 x 4.5 dimensions might seem too small to prove functional, but think again. You can snugly fit a small wallet, compact, fold-up hair brush, lipstick, keys and slim cellphone inside, and edited contents like that are exactly what women-on-the-go are opting to carry nowadays. Since we're always concerned with finding our readers budget-friendly bags, the See by Chloé Cherry Mini Crossbody Bag is priced at $295. So, ladies, feel free to jump on the crossbody bag bandwagon since it's one trend that won't actually break the bank.

See by Chloé Cherry Mini Crossbody Bag available via saks.com

Tory Burch Relaxed Frame Clutch

This clutch should become a part of every woman's bag collection. The simple framed design with whipstitch detailing and gold-tone closure will work any time of day. The two colors available, branch brown and purple, are sedate enough to appeal to almost anyone. I hope they come up with a black and red version for fall to make us budget-conscious shoppers happy. The clutch measures a roomy 13 x 7.5 x 2 and has several interior pockets to keep your essentials well-organized. I know suede is not for everyone, but this bag almost looks and feels like regular leather. The Tory Burch Relaxed Frame Clutch, priced at $395, is now available for pre-order at neimanmarcus.com. This design from Burch's spring 2010 collection is a modern, inexpensive classic in the making and a solid handbag investment.

Runway photo: style.com

Botkier Noa Tote

How can such a simple design look and feel so modern? Ask Monica Botkier and her design team. They've managed to crank out design after design, all with the same edgy yet classic vibe. The Noa Tote is my favorite from their current collection. While the comfortable top handles remind me of the Chloé Paraty, the front zippered pockets with tassel pulls are all Botkier. Botkier has the young, urban aesthetic down to an art form. In fact, they seem to improve season after season with not a dud of a design in sight. That, ladies, is a nearly impossible feat to achieve in the designer handbag world. Be sure that the 'Noa' is not only chic but also quite practical with a roomy 13 x 18 x 3 interior and plenty of storage options. Antiqued nickel hardware and a magnetic snap closure round out the bag's features. Neimanmarcus.com has the Botkier Noa Tote available for $575 in black and coral, but I prefer the coral for something with more color to it. I think we all have plenty of black bags, right?

Deal Of The Day: Marni Wave Clutch

I'm excited to bring a Marni bag to our budget-conscious readers. One of my absolute favorite designs from the fall season was Marni's Wave Bag. Although the tote is far more expensive than the clutch version (pictured), the clutch was still outside our price cut-off. Now Net-A-Porter has placed the Marni Wave Clutch on sale from the original $865 price tag to a more affordable $519. The white leather exterior and black contrast piping accentuate the clutch's geometric shape beautifully. The bag is over-sized and measures a generous 14 x 7 x 6. It has a gold-tone twistlock closure as well as dual zip top fasteners. Nothing is falling out of this clutch. The 'Wave' is an ideal day-to-evening bag for any time of the year. Brighten up a dark winter coat with this lovely clutch or save it for spring and use it to dress up a maxi dress and light cardigan.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cosmetic Bag

You all know I couldn't possibly feature a Nancy Gonzalez handbag on Señora Cartera On A Budget. The exotic handbag designer is way off limits around these parts with the exception of the occasional accesory. Enter the Crocodile Cosmetic Bag done in a stunning matte red color. I suppose you could get inventive with this bag and use it as a clutch, but it measures only about 6 x 4 x 2. That would be a bit of a stretch even by my standards. As a cosmetic case, however, it's perfect. Dual zippers with bead pulls reveal a lovely suede-lined interior, and there is the amazing crocodile exterior to consider. For those of you that are unwilling or simply unable to get your hands on a Nancy Gonzalez bag, her croc cosmetic bag is the next best thing. I know $600 for a cosmetic bag is very expensive, but sometimes accessories are worth the splurge when you can use them inside any bag you own. Just imagine what your friends will say when you whip out this vibrant make-up case from your budget-friendly handbag. I'll bet they'll be pea-green with envy. I know I would be.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cosmetic Bag available via neimanmarcus.com

Lucky Brand Computer Sleeve Giveaway

UPDATE!

Zarka A. is the winner of our Lucky Brand Computer sleeve giveaway. Congratulations! Drop us a line at senora_cartera@yahoo.com with you mailing address so we can send your prize out to you as soon as possible.

A special thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway and gave us so many great suggestions. A few of the higher-end labels will be a challenge to write up on our budget-friendly site, but we love a challenge. I'm sure we can find bags for everyone.

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Time for a giveaway, folks. Since the holidays are upon us, I know many of you will be investing in laptop computers. You'll be needing a fun, stylish computer sleeve to carry it around. So the winner of this giveaway will receive a Lucky Brand computer sleeve. This sleeve is made of canvas. It measures 14 x 12 x 3/4 and features a lovely bird print exterior, long front slip pocket, adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, zippered top and padded interior. Who says a computer sleeve has to be boring?!?

To win, simply leave a comment on this post with your first name, last name's initial and the name of a brand you would most like to see featured on Señora Cartera On A Budget. You can submit a comment once a day until the deadline, but each entry must contain a different brand name. The winner will be randomly selected from all qualified entries. Only U.S. entries are eligible for this giveaway. You must be 18 or older to enter. The deadline to submit your comment is Sunday, December 20th 11:59 PM. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 21st. The winner will have 24 hours to contact us and accept their prize.

Good luck!